English Original
Xu Shu, valued by Liu Bei for his strategic talents, was appointed chief military advisor after several victories against Cao Cao. Jealous, Cao Cao's advisor suggested a plot: bring Xu Shu's mother to Xuchang and forge a letter in her handwriting, asking him to come. Known for his filial piety, Xu Shu tearfully received the letter and requested immediate leave from Liu Bei. Though saddened, Liu Bei persuaded him to stay one more night to share their sorrow.
The next day, Liu Bei held a farewell banquet outside the city. Holding Xu Shu's hand, he wept, saying, "Only heaven knows when we will meet again." After departing, Xu Shu suddenly turned his horse back. "I nearly forgot something important," he said. "Ten kilometers from Xiangyang, in Longzhong, lives Zhuge Liang. Would you like to meet him?" Liu Bei eagerly agreed but questioned Zhuge Liang's talent. Xu Shu assured him, "He reads the stars, understands all earthly matters, and discerns a person's true nature at first sight—the greatest talent under heaven. With him as your advisor, you will rule the land." When Liu Bei suggested Xu Shu invite Zhuge Liang on his behalf, Xu Shu shook his head. "You must personally extend the invitation. His acceptance depends entirely on your sincerity." With that, Xu Shu rode away. Later, Liu Bei made three visits to Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage, a story beloved by the Chinese people.
中文翻译
徐庶因其谋略才华深受刘备器重。在数次击败曹操后，他被任命为首席军师。曹操闻讯心生嫉妒。他的谋士献计：将徐庶的母亲接到许昌，伪造一封她的手书，命徐庶离开刘备前来。徐庶以孝闻名，收到信后泪流满面，立即向刘备请辞。刘备虽感悲伤，仍挽留他共度最后一夜，二人互诉离愁。
次日，刘备在城外设宴饯行。他握着徐庶的手流泪道：“今日一别，不知何时何地才能重逢。”徐庶启程后，忽又策马而回。“我差点忘了一件要事，”他对刘备说，“襄阳城外十里隆中，住着诸葛亮。您想见他吗？”刘备当即表示愿意，但也质疑诸葛亮的才能。徐庶肯定道：“他上知天文，下晓地理，初次见面便能识人本性——乃天下第一奇才。若得他为军师，必能平定天下。”刘备请徐庶代他邀请诸葛亮，徐庶摇头不允。“您必须亲自前去邀请。他是否接受，全看您的诚意。”说罢，徐庶策马离去。后来，刘备三顾诸葛亮茅庐，成为中国人津津乐道的典故。